Easy A [Blu-ray]

Nathaniel Hawthorne's THE SCARLET LETTER is re-imagined as a contemporary high school comedy in this tale of a scheming student who plots to give her popularity a boost by painting herself the easiest lay in school. Like most high school kids, Olive Penderghast (Emma Stone) just wants to be popular. So much so than when her best friend, Rhiannon (Aly Michalka), asks Olive how her weekend went, the bored teen decides to whip up a spicy white lie just to make things interesting. But that minor exaggeration begins to take on a life of its own when it reaches the ears of motor-mouth gossip Jesus freak Marianne (Amanda Bynes), and in no time the entire student body is abuzz over unassuming Olive's unrepentant weekend of debauchery. Of course not a word of it is true, but that doesn't stop everyone in school from talking, and an amused Olive from deciding to go with the flow. Playing the role of the hussy to the hilt, the girl who used to be invisible begins dressing provocatively and turning heads in the hallways. The students aren't the only ones taking notice, either; Olive's English teacher, Mr. Griffith (Thomas Haden Church), is concerned that the kind of attention she's receiving isn't healthy for a developing girl, and his wife (Lisa Kudrow), the school guidance counselor, is in full agreement. The only people who seem remotely interested in the truth are Olive's trusting and open-minded parents (Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson). As Olive takes note of the parallels between her own situation and the plight of the SCARLET LETTER heroine Hester Prynne, she realizes that she may be able to manipulate her newfound notoriety to give fellow classmate Brandon's (Dan Byrd) popularity a much-needed shot in the arm. Olive never thought her little game could possibly have any negative effect on anyone but herself, but when loose lips start sinking ships all around her, she realizes that it's high time for the truth to come out.

4 stars out of 5 -- "Overflowing with charm and wit, this satirical take on that special hell known as high school has plenty of appeal to teens and adults alike."Box Office

3.5 stars out of 4 -- "The movie works because its funny, yes, but also because it's smart."Chicago Sun-Times

"[T]he sassy high school comedy EASY A commands attention for the irresistible presence of Emma Stone....Her performance is the best of its type since Alicia Silverstone's star turn several high school generations ago in Amy Heckerling's 1995 hit, CLUELESS."New York Times

3.5 stars out of 4 -- "One of the reasons it fires on all cylinders is its sassy titian-haired star, Emma Stone. Stone is easily one of the most winning actresses of her generation and a natural comedian."USA Today

"EASY A proves inventive in its plotting....Thomas Hayden Church brings a weary soulfulness to the role of Olive's favorite teacher..."Los Angeles Times

"Happily, EASY A has two strong elements in its favor: heart, and Stone's terrific lead performance."A.V. Club

"[I]t catapults Emma Stone into a higher place reserved for American actors who can handle elevated language with casually dazzling aplomb."Wall Street Journal

3 stars out of 4 -- "Enhanced by a wicked sense of humor, Will Gluck's movie does what Hughes did best, showcasing characters with personality who make you wish you had them on speed dial."Washington Post